From Ice Cream to Moonlight Walks

Cereus

]The fluorescent lights of the ice cream parlour cast a playful glow on the colourful display cases. My stomach rumbled, torn between nostalgia and adventurousness.

"So," Matthew drawled, amusement dancing in his eyes, "What will you take Cer? Classic mint chocolate chip, or are you feeling wild tonight?"

"Hmm," I pretended to ponder, my gaze flitting across the endless rows of ice cream tubs. "Mint chocolate chip has always been my comfort zone, but that salted caramel swirl over there…" My voice trailed off, a mischievous glint mirroring Matthew's.

He threw his head back and laughed, a rich, warm sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Alright, my dear girlfriend," he conceded. "How about a double scoop of both? Live a little, shall we?"

He disappeared towards the counter, leaving me with a giddy anticipation that had nothing to do with the ice cream. As he returned, balancing two generously filled waffle cones, something shifted in the air. We shared a smile, a silent understanding passing between us. The sugary indulgence became a backdrop for something far more thrilling.

With each bite, stolen glances and suppressed laughter were all that punctuated the comfortable silence. It was a dance, a delicious tension that simmered just beneath the surface. My heart hammered a happy rhythm against my ribs, a stark contrast to the cool sweetness melting on my tongue.

"Ready to call it a night?" Matthew asked, wiping a stray bit of ice cream from his lip, his gaze lingering on mine just a beat too long.

"Yes," I confessed, a blush creeping up my neck. "But…" I hesitated, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.

He seemed to read my mind, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "But what?"

"It just feels like… like this isn't enough, why does our date have to end already?" I blurted out, mortified by my own boldness.

A slow grin stretched across his face. "It doesn't have to be," he offered, his voice husky. "How about I walk you home?"

The offer sent a jolt through me. Our apartment building was a mere ten-minute walk from the mall, a fact that suddenly felt incredibly disappointing. Yet, the idea of extending the evening, of stealing a few more stolen moments with Matthew, was undeniably appealing.

Before I could voice my internal debate, Matthew was already taking charge. His hand brushed mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me. "Let's go," he said, his voice a low rumble.

He didn't wait for my reply, his hand firmly entwining his with mine as he led me out of the parlour. The walk was a blur of dappled moonlight and stolen glances. Every brush of his hand, every comfortable silence, sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Reaching my building, I turned to face him, a pang of disappointment shooting through me. The end had arrived too soon.

"Well, this is it," I said, forcing a smile.

Before I could pull away, Matthew surprised me by cupping my face in his hand. He leaned in, his warm breath tickling my ear. "You have a bit of salted caramel right here," he murmured, his thumb gently grazing the corner of my lips.

His touch sent shivers down my spine. Slowly, his lips brushed against mine, the lingering sweetness of ice cream mingling with a spark of desire. The kiss was a slow burn, a promise whispered on warm breath. There was a delicious urgency to it, a feeling that we were both teetering on the edge of something more.

When he finally pulled away, his eyes were dark with desire. "Seems like the ice cream wasn't the only thing giving you a sugar rush," he said, his voice a husky whisper.

My cheeks burned. "I… I should probably go inside," I stammered, my voice breathless.

He chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine one last time. "Goodnight, sweetheart," he said, his voice husky. Leaning in, he brushed a kiss along my temple before turning to walk away.

Stumbling into my apartment, I leaned against the door, my heart still pounding. A giddy smile bloomed on my face as I replayed the kiss in my mind.

As I made my way to sleep, I couldn't help but think that life, at this moment, felt perfect. As I climbed into bed, a wave of gratitude washed over me. This relationship with Matthew, I was going to savour every moment of it.